Maneka writes to Gadkari on norms for women’s safety in cabs

New Delhi, July 2 (IANS) In view rising cases of misbehaviour by taxi drivers with women passengers, Minister for Women and Child Development (WCD) Maneka Gandhi on Monday wrote to Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari urging steps to ensure that cab safety guidelines are adhered to.

According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD), despite repeated reminders and periodical meetings with taxi aggregators, they have failed to adhere to the safety measures enumerated in the guidelines, especially conducting police verification of drivers and disabling central lock in cabs.

“Maneka Gandhi has taken up the matter on a war-footing and urged Nitin Gadkari to initiate steps to ensure that the cab safety guidelines are strictly followed,” said a tweet.

The letter comes in the wake of a recent incident in Bengaluru, where an Ola cab driver allegedly forced a woman passenger to strip.

Following the incident, Gandhi had spoken for the need to ensure safety of women travelling via taxi aggregators and also pitched for the idea “exclusive women pooling” where women passengers could opt to choose their fellow riders in shared rides.

The officials from the ministry also met the representatives of taxi aggregators Ola and Uber. However, according to a senior official, the meeting was not “cordial”.

“There are various issues in the operation of cab services. We are examining how women can be ensured safety while travelling via cab providers. We will soon propose ideas,” an official had told IANS earlier.